Southend United sign Freddie Ladapo from Crystal Palace

Blues are delighted to announce the signing of Freddie Ladapo from Crystal Palace to bolster the forward ranks.

Ladapo, who turns 25 tomorrow, joins Southend United on a six month deal with a one year option.

Freddie was part of the Blues Academy before moving to Colchester United in League One where he spent four seasons, however the majority of which saw him out on loan learning his trade in non-league football.

The Romford-born striker signed for Premier League Eagles from Margate in March 2016 after impressing during a trial with the club's development squad, where he netted a hat-trick against Watford in his first game.

Loan moves to fellow League One clubs Oldham Athletic & Shrewsbury Town followed, scoring four goals in 15 appearances for Shrews.

The striker made his first-team debut for Palace against Manchester United in the Premier League at Old Trafford in September.

Freddie was keen to make his mark at a team where he started “I was at Oldham for the first part of last season and then Shrewsbury in the second half and I enjoyed my time with both clubs, but now I’m back at a club where I started off as a kid and I want to do really well and make my mark.”

The striker is already looking forward to Blues’ trip to the ABAX Stadium against Peterborough United on Saturday.

“I’m hoping to get into the team on Saturday because it’s a huge game and I just want to hit the ground running; if I’m involved in the game this weekend then I hope it’s a good debut for me.”